GSA, FBI Celebrate Groundbreaking of New FBI Facility in Puerto Rico
Facility to Consolidate FBI from Existing Locations in San Juan
SAN JUAN — Today the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) celebrated the groundbreaking of the new FBI building in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The new building is located on the federal campus in Hato Rey that currently houses the Degetau Federal Building, the Clemente Ruiz Nazario U.S. Courthouse and the Rainforest Kids Child Development Center.
Congressman Pedro R. Pierluisi was joined by Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Alejandro García Padilla, Regional Administrator of GSA’s Northeast and Caribbean Region Denise Pease, FBI Associate Deputy Director David L. Bowdich, Special Agent In Charge for the FBI San Juan Division Douglas A. Leff, and Vice President of the Walsh Group Kevin C. Swain. Speakers highlighted the important role the facility will play in San Juan.
“The joint efforts of federal and local law enforcement agencies under the Narcotics Strike Forces and the Illegal Firearms and Violent Crimes Task Force Initiative have been successful. The Federal Government has been a partner in all of our efforts and I want to thank you for your support and willingness,” said Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Alejandro García Padilla. “With results such as the lowest murder rate in 30 years, we are looking forward to continue the relationship between the local and federal criminal justice and prosecutorial agencies in Puerto Rico. In order to encourage the efficient use of criminal justice resources to promote effective crime fighting, we are working on renewing the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the prosecutorial and investigative responsibility regarding certain crimes.”
“GSA is committed to the growth and development of the economy in Puerto Rico,” said Denise Pease, Regional Administrator for the GSA Northeast and Caribbean Region. “The construction of the new FBI building in San Juan will serve as an economic catalyst by maximizing the participation of local subcontractors and small businesses to provide services for excavation, telecommunications, mechanical and electrical systems, plumbing, project infrastructure and civil engineering design.”
“This contract was awarded after years of study and review by GSA and FBI in order to design a state-of-the-art facility with cutting edge tools and technology,” said Douglas Leff, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI San Juan Field Office. “This will allow FBI personnel in the Caribbean region to continue to successfully accomplish the ever changing and challenging mission of the FBI. In partnership with GSA and local industry, this project will provide a much needed boost to the island’s economy. This is an exciting time for the FBI as we look forward to moving into a new facility in San Juan, PR.”
About the Award for the FBI Building
- GSA awarded this project to the Walsh Group
- The new facility is a design-build construction
- Construction is slated to be complete by July 2019
About FBI
The mission of the FBI is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States. As an intelligence-driven and threat-focused national security organization with both intelligence and law enforcement responsibilities, the FBI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Justice and a full member of the U.S. Intelligence Community.
About GSA
The mission of GSA is to deliver the best value in real estate, acquisition and technology services to the government and the American people. As the real estate and procurement arm of the federal government, GSA is a driver of innovation, technology, sustainability and economic development in cities and communities across the nation.
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